Moroccan Mint Tea

Moroccan mint tea widely acknowledged as Maghrebi mint tea, Sahrawi or Touareg, is an herbal concoction made from spearmint leaves and Chinese gunpowder tea. Owing to the various minerals and compounds present in it, this variety of green tea comes with a lot of health benefits.

History and Origin

There is a difference of opinion amongst historians regarding the introduction of this tea in the Moroccan culture. Some say it was as early as the 12th century while others speculate it to be introduced in Morocco, not until the 18th century.

Another story about its origination mentions that it was the brainchild of a businessman who could not sell his gunpowder tea in 1850 due to the Crimean war. Later on, he came to Morocco and found his fortune in spreading the mint tea through the entire Arab world.

The Moroccan Mint Tea has an interesting tradition, as serving at least three glasses of this beverage by the head patriarch of the following is a common custom of hospitality followed in Greater Maghrebi, the refusal of which is considered impolite.

The tea is known as “Touareg” because it is a good alternative to water, in particular for the nomads of Sahara.

Does Moroccan Mint Green Tea have Caffeine

This tea has a moderate amount of caffeine.

Moroccan Mint Tea Health Benefits: What Is It Good For

As a Digestive Aid

This tea with its spearmint content is good for easing flatulence, abdominal cramp, stomach bloating, irritable bowel syndrome (diarrhea, indigestion). Also, the mint oil of this spearmint is known to alleviate nausea with its fresh taste.

For Respiratory Problems

Since spearmint has menthol which is laden with anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and analgesic properties this tea relieves the problems of a cough and sore throat by reducing the irritation and congestion in the respiratory tract.

Cancer Preventive Properties

While the gunpowder tea is enriched with anti-oxidants like epigallocatechin gallate and polyphenols, spearmint also displays antioxidant properties which together shields the body from cancer by inhibiting the free radical producing enzyme and neutralizing them.

As Immunity Booster

Moroccan mint tea contains essential minerals like fluoride, calcium, magnesium, copper, and selenium, which back up the immune system. These also help to keep all kinds of fungal and bacterial infection at bay. So, a cup of this tea might help you maintain your overall health.

 

For Heart Health

Vitamin B complex is abundant in this tea, making it a preventive measure for cardiovascular problems. Niacin (vitamin B3) decreases the bad cholesterol or “LDL,” and increases the good cholesterol or “HDL.” Moreover, the folic acid of spearmint helps reduce the chance of artery clogging by controlling the amino acid homocysteine.

For Diabetes

While spearmint has thiamine that lessens the blood sugar level, gunpowder tea has a positive impact on glucose tolerance, improving the insulin sensibility.

 

As Stress Reliever

This tea, with its mint content, is known to have soporific properties, soothing your nerves and helping you get rid of anxiety.

Oral Health

The mint tea with its germicidal properties secures your oral health by restraining the bacterial growth inside the mouth. It also fights bad breath with its strong aromatic flavor.

For Skin

The spearmint content of this tea helps you maintain acne free skin, by reducing the sebum oxidation, a major prerequisite for acne formation.

Aids Weight Loss

The gunpowder tea is full of catechins, thiane(anti-obesogenic), which boost up the metabolism and slow down the growth of enzymes which cause fat storage. Similarly, the mint also helps in transforming the fat into energy.

How to Make Moroccan Mint Tea

• Put one tablespoon of Chinese gunpowder green tea (loose) in a teapot
• Add one cup of boiling water and strain, leaving the tea leaves in the pot
• Add four cups of water to the pot
• Steep for around two minutes
• Add one ounce of spearmint and sugar/honey taste wise
• Steep for four more minutes
• Serve with sprinkled pine nuts and drink
• For further aroma, you may add one teaspoon of rosewater

For, Moroccan mint iced tea, refrigerate the tea and serve with some ice cubes.

To make Moroccan mint tea granite, mix and boil all ingredients together along with orange blossom water. After ten minutes of steeping, strain and incorporate food color. Refrigerate until it gets the granite texture.

 

Safety and Precaution

Side Effects

Over consumption might result in nausea and dizziness.

For Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Since, this tea contains caffeine, a prior consultation with your doctor is recommended.

Where to Buy

You will get organic Moroccan mint tea bags and rolled tea leaves (sometimes with peppermint flavor) in online and local stores.